India pacer Jasprit Bumrah set to return ahead of Asia Cup 2023: Reports

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India pacer Jasprit Bumrah is tipped to make a return to the Indian squad before the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, according to reports.

Jasprit Bumrah, one of India's premium fast bowlers, has been sidelined for a long time with an injury. Bumrah sustained a back issue which made him miss the T20 World Cup last year. He underwent a back surgery but a recurrence of the same injury meant he missed the entirety of 2023 so far.

Bumrah was unavailable for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023, and then subsequently was not fit for selection in the WTC Final 2023, which India lost against Australia.

But it comes as a huge boost for India's pace contingent that the pacer may well be finally on course to make a return to the team. Bumrah's absence has hurt India badly but report from News18 suggests the Mumbai-born pacer may be available for selection ahead of the Asia Cup 2023.

The Asia Cup 2023 is set to be played in September just before the ICC World Cup, which starts on October 5. And Bumrah is expected to fly to Ireland for a three-match T20I series in August.

"Jasprit Bumrah is looking very good for the Ireland series in August this year. It will be a big boost to the Indian cricket team and will also allow Bumrah time in the middle after the long injury lay-off. If everything stays on course, a Bumrah at peak fitness is likely to take field," an official told News18.

The bowler is currently in Bangalore and working on his fitness and rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The official also claimed the NCA coaches are taking the utmost care as the player looks set to make a return soon.

"Nitin Patel and Rajnikanth have been working very closely with Bumrah and keeping him on track during the rehab period at the NCA. Both are very experienced and don't want to take any chance with Bumrah in what is a very crucial white-ball year and also the start of the new World Test Championship cycle," the unnamed official added.